Trim the green beans by snapping the ends off. Place the water and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a medium, heavy 3 1/2 quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Carefully add the beans and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, remove the saucepan from the heat, and drain the beans in a colander set in the sink, pouring away from you. Rinse under cold running water and drain.

Melt the butter in the same saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the almonds, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Cook, stirring, until the almonds are toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the drained green beans to the pan and cook, stirring, until well coated with sauce and warmed through, about 1 minute.